Family perception of the symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder patient and the family accommodation

Abstract

Background: Family members tend to modify their routine by assisting or participating in the patient’s rituals. These behaviors have been identified as family accommodation (FA). Aims: The aim of this study was to describe the relationship between family accommodation of relatives of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) patients and their perceptions about the obsessions and compulsions of the patient. Method: This was a cross-sectional study with family members of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in a Southern Brazilian city. The family perception of the OCD symptoms and their accommodation were assessed through the Family Accommodation Scale for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder – Interviewer-Rated (FAS-IR). Results: The level of family accommodation was higher in those family members who lived with the patient when compared to those who did not live with them ( p = .011). The obsessions associated with higher levels of family accommodation were: contamination ( p < .001), hoarding/saving ( p = .001), symmetry/exactness ( p = .001), religious ( p = .019), and diverse ( p = .003). Regarding compulsions, the perception of all symptoms was associated with higher levels of family accommodation ( p < .05). Conclusion: The family accommodation is present in family members of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder patients, regardless of the type of obsessive/compulsive symptom perceived.